Want an “at a glance” look at what I thought? Check out my Review On A Post-It or my “Final Thought”
Joana, Florian and Emilia meet as they are making a dangerous trek towards freedom in East Prussia towards the end of the war when the Russians invaded and overtook. They have the common goals of freedom and survival but come from different countries and have different secrets they are carrying on this road to their future. Their future is in the form of a ship, one of many taking refugees to safety, called the Wilhelm Gustloff — a vessel that brings them hope of survival after their harrowing journey until they find themselves on it when it is hit by a torpedo and fighting to survive once again.
Oh man had I been waiting for this one! I loved both of her previous books — Between Shades of Grey and Out of the Easy. She is a tremendous writer and seriously writes some of the best historical fiction out there. It’s so easy to get lost in her books and I always find myself recommending her books the most when people want historical fiction or want to give it a try — with the caveat that Between Shades of Grey will destroy you (Out of the Easy made me emotional but in a different way).
Anyways, Salt to the Sea. INCREDIBLE. I love it when the historical fiction I read makes me want to crack open a textbook to learn more about the time or the events that are related to the novel. She gives you just enough with the historical setting and the details of the event to transport you there but still want to know more about it.
I had never heard about the Wilhelm Gustloff tragedy prior to this book. I mean, when I think of maritime disasters I think of the Titanic. But the loss of life when the Wilhelm Gustloff went down? WAY WAY more than even the Titanic. And I never had even heard of it. I loved that Ruta unearthed this piece of history that isn’t well known and humanized it with her wonderful characters.
Knowing that this book was about a sinking ship my feeling from page one was: IMPENDING DOOM. I mean, really. The first half of the story is the dangerous trek that all these refugees make to even get to the ports to evacuate. Then the second half is them being on the ship and trying to survive when they are hit. It’s devastating all around though I’d say if Between Shades of Grey was too hard for you because of the more graphic aspects of what the people went through in the camps, then I’d try this one. It’s a devastating story of survival but in a different way.
There are 4 POVs — Joana, Florian, Emilia and Alfred. At first I side-eyed the fact there were so many POVs but oh man it worked so well. The chapters were short for each POV and I simultaneously never wanted to leave Joana, Florian and Emilia’s (Alfred creeped me out so I couldn’t wait to be done with his) POVs but I also wanted to get to the next person again. Joana, Florian and Emilia all are on this trek to get themselves to freedom with secrets weighing them down throughout the course of the journey. I enjoyed how the short chapters just had me racing to learn what each character was hiding. I wanted to know what was propelling them forward, besides the obvious freedom/safety/survival, and know what haunted them.
I was so invested in this journey with them and it broke my heart to know, that while fictional, this dangerous and harrowing escape towards (hopefully) freedom gave voice to so many people who really had to do this. I can’t imagine having lived through all the things that happened and then having to pack up what you can carry and leave your home, because things seem to be getting even worse, and muster up enough hope and strength to survive this dangerous journey towards freedom. And the most devastating part? That your passage to freedom wasn’t even guaranteed. Lives lost along the way. And even worse….the vessel of freedom, your last hope, gets attacked. OH MAN my heart. I just wanted to shout THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN.
+ writing, characters, story, feels
– nothing. Ruta is flawless.
Should you read it? Oh yes.
Should you buy it or borrow it? It’s a buy for me! Particularly if you are already a fan of Ruta’s work or historical fiction in general. If you aren’t into historical fiction but want to try it, maybe borrow it to be safe.
fans of Ruta’s previous works, historical fiction fans (doesn’t matter if you don’t normally read YA historical fiction…it’s a great historical fiction book), people who like read about not as well known historical events, historical fiction newbs — I say this because I think it’s going to be my new go-to pick for people who are hesitant to read historical fiction.
Salt to the Sea is a beautiful, emotionally devastating story about tremendous strength and survival in the face of awful tragedies. The impending doom you feel knowing that these characters are heading toward a ship we know sinks is all too real — especially when the road to get there is dangerous on its own. Ruta’s writing and the ferocity of her characters’ voices just absolutely drop you right in the hardships so many experienced on this road to safety and make you feel the pain, loss and general darkness mixed with that buoying feeling of hope, love and freedom all around them. I curled in a ball and sobbed after finishing this book.
* Have you read this one? What did you think? Similar or different from me? I would LOVE to hear regardless! Had you heard of this tragedy before? Who was your favorite character? What gutted you the most? (label spoilers please!)
*If you haven’t read it, does it feel like something you’d be into?
Cyra says
I finished this book around the same time as you! I also absolutely adored it! It has been so long since a book has made me ugly cry so hard! I can’t believe I never heard about that ship sinking! As soon as I finished this book, I spent HOURS looking it up and proceeding to quiz everyone who would listen to me about it! I believe I will be shoving this book at people, it’s so fantastic! Great review!! 🙂
Jamie says
YAS I felt the same way. I loved her author’s note too. I just can’t believe this isn’t something we learned about ever!!!
Rebecca says
OMG. This sounds incredibly awesome. I’ve never heard of this epic sinking either. Ever. I love historical fiction so I’m going to have to check this out. Thanks for the great review!
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Follow me on Bloglovin’
Jamie says
Ruta seriously writes the best historical fiction so definitely check this one and her others out if you haven’t!!
Resh Susan says
Wow. Love the review. This must be a pretty amazing book
Jamie says
It was really amazing! I can’t get enough of her books. She’s so talented and writes some of the best historical fiction I’ve read.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books says
I am so glad you loved this one. I am adding this one to my TBR for sure. I agree that the sign of a great historical fiction book is one that makes you want to research that period. Sounds like that is what this one will do. Great review!
Jamie says
I was just shocked I had NEVER heard of it. It was so horrific! I hope you love it too!!
Frannie Pan says
Goodness, I can’t wait to read this!
I have preordered it, so hopefully it’ll come in the mail soon! *-*
Jamie says
Ahh can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!
Kelsey Cooper says
I must say: I have never, ever heard of this?! How? I feel like I totally should have stumbled upon this during some of my internet-black-hole-searching episodes. I also havent really read historical fiction before (except for the ones when I was younger what were in diary form? I cant think of what they were called… but Scholastic bookorders ftw.) Sounds like this may be a good one to start with!
Katherine says
I AM SO PUMPED FOR THIS BOOK. Seriously, I am prepared to cry over it for days. I loved everything that I’ve read by her so far, and this one sounds like it won’t disappoint.
Annette says
What a great review of a great book. I think she is a phenomenal writer, and I find myself greatly anticipating her next project…. She’ll always be a must buy for me.
Katy says
This book broke me. I thought I was going to be sick for about the last third. I really liked the old guy (is he called the Shoe Poet?). He made me have a lot of emotions.
Lois @ My Midnight Musing says
I had heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff briefly during my history class in school. However, I had no idea of the scope of the tragedy until I researched into it after reading the synopsis of this book. There are quite a few historic novels set to be released this year but Salt to the Sea is undoubtedly my most anticipated. The short chapters have me excited because I usually find that the overly long chapter we usually get in historic fiction don’t draw me in as much. I am beyond excited to get my hands on this book. I just love seeing how characters adapt and cope with these tragic circumstances. 😀
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
I haven’t yet read anything by Sepetys, but you have me sold! I just added her books to my Goodreads list, and I plan to check her out soon!
Wendy @ Book Scents says
I haven’t read any of her books yet but I am definitely adding this to my list! I love historical fiction and I really am eager to read this now after reading your thoughts!!! (um when I was younger I used to read hist fic after hist fic of the titanic sinking… I def need to check this out)
Alexa S. says
I cannot wait to read SALT TO THE SEA! I honestly need some well-written historical fiction in my life, and after reading OUT OF THE EASY, I know Sepetys has a style that will really work for me. So thrilled to hear you liked this one a lot, Jamie!
Katie says
That is what I love about books like this- you know from the beginning exactly how it is going to end. You know you’re going to sob. But you still have to go for the ride with them. I am only a few chapters in, but I am already mentally preparing for the feels and pain this book is going to bring me. And I know it is going to hurt but it is also going to done beautifully, I can already tell.
Eeeee I am so excited to have time to really dive into this book!
(If anyone is interested I am holding a giveaway of this book this month if you want to try to win a copy to read for yourself! @ http://www.katsyxo.com)
Sarah says
You have written such a great review!!
I can’t wait to read this book. I loved both her previous books just like you so I know I’m going to love this one too! Ahhh I really can’t wait now after reading your review. It’s made me so excited!!! 😀
Maddie says
I ADORE Sepetys, honestly need this in my hands right now! Easily one of the most under-rated authors out there. Great post, just found your blog and loving every minute of it!
Alise @ Read.Write.Repeat. says
I’m a little jealous you got an advance copy of this one! I loved Between Shades of Grey and can’t wait to read this one! Glad you liked it so much!